10 weekend projects that make a big impact for under $250

Sometimes all it takes is a weekend and a couple hundred dollars to make your home feel completely different. You don’t have to tear down walls or hire contractors to get results that stand out. With under $250, you can tackle projects that freshen up your space, boost curb appeal, and make daily life feel a little easier.

These upgrades are manageable, affordable, and they pack more impact than you’d expect. Here are ten worth your time.

Painting an Accent Wall

A gallon or two of paint and some prep supplies are all you need to transform a room. Choosing a bold but tasteful color for one wall adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

Because paint has such a dramatic effect, this project makes a room feel new with very little investment. It’s a weekend job that can completely reset how you see your home.

Building a Raised Garden Bed

With a few boards, screws, and soil, you can build raised beds that make your backyard look organized and purposeful. They give your landscaping structure and provide a defined spot for vegetables or flowers.

Raised beds are functional and attractive, which makes them a smart project for under $250. They’re also manageable to finish in a single weekend, leaving you with a noticeable upgrade.

Installing a New Light Fixture

Replacing an outdated chandelier or ceiling light can change the entire feel of a room. You can find stylish options within budget that look much more expensive than they are.

Because lighting sets the tone, this upgrade stands out to both you and your guests. Swapping a fixture is a quick DIY project that delivers a polished, high-impact result.

Updating a Bathroom Vanity

You don’t need to buy a whole new vanity to improve your bathroom. Painting the base, swapping hardware, and adding a new faucet can be done for under $250.

Since bathrooms are heavily used, even small updates go a long way. This project makes the space feel cleaner and more current, which improves both value and daily function.

Refreshing Outdoor Furniture

Instead of replacing a whole set, you can repaint existing furniture, add new cushions, or buy a small bistro set. These updates instantly make your patio or deck more inviting.

Outdoor furniture is one of the first things people notice in a backyard. With under $250, you can make it look fresh and comfortable again, extending the use of your outdoor space.

Power Washing Hard Surfaces

Renting or buying a power washer for the weekend lets you tackle driveways, siding, decks, and patios. Years of dirt and stains wash away quickly, leaving everything looking newer.

Clean hardscaping makes your entire home look better maintained. It’s one of the most satisfying projects you can do in a weekend because the difference is immediate.

Installing a Backsplash

A backsplash can completely change a kitchen’s look. With peel-and-stick tile or budget-friendly real tile, you can create a custom feel without a big expense.

Because the backsplash is such a focal point, updating it has an outsized impact. It’s a project you can finish in a couple of days that makes the kitchen feel more high-end.

Replacing Interior Door Handles

Swapping worn or dated knobs for updated hardware is an affordable way to modernize your home. Matte black, nickel, or bronze finishes instantly make doors look better.

Since doors are used daily, new handles make the house feel refreshed every time they’re touched. It’s a small project with a surprisingly big effect.

Planting Trees or Shrubs

Adding a few well-placed trees or shrubs creates structure in your landscaping. They provide shade, privacy, and a sense of maturity to your yard.

Because landscaping directly impacts curb appeal, this project is worth the weekend effort. For under $250, you can add greenery that grows in value over time.

Adding New Window Treatments

Replacing worn blinds with curtains or updating old rods can change the look of an entire room. Hanging panels higher and wider makes windows appear larger.

Window treatments shape how natural light comes in and how finished a space feels. With a modest budget, you can transform several rooms in a single weekend.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.